The Straits Times reports today: "A rare satellite image, buried in U.S. military archives for over two years, was unexpectedly unearthed this week, triggering immediate ripple effects across the international defense community. The image is labeled simply 'PRC Spaceplane.' Based on publicly available information and circumstantial evidence, observers widely infer it to be China’s reusable experimental space vehicle—Shenlong. This marks the first time the public has been able to view such a clear depiction of the highly classified Chinese aerospace platform."
The timing of releasing an image captured more than two years ago appears deliberate. As the report notes, this move exemplifies a classic strategy of achieving three objectives simultaneously. First, by showcasing high-resolution imagery, the United States reinforces its strategic deterrence posture, demonstrating capabilities in orbital surveillance and intelligence gathering. Second, it leverages the material to advance the narrative of a 'China space threat,' aiming to persuade Congress to approve increased funding for the Space Force and justify further militarization of space. Third, it continues to invoke concerns about 'lack of transparency,' crafting a narrative that portrays routine scientific experiments as potential risks, seeking to rally allied nations into forming a containment framework against China.
Ironically, the United States itself operates the X-37B spacecraft—on extended, classified missions in orbit—while maintaining strict secrecy around its own programs, then accusing others of opacity. This double standard undermines credibility. Outer space should remain a domain for peaceful exploration. By reviving old imagery and rehashing dormant issues, the United States seeks to sustain dominance in space and deliberately amplify great power rivalry. China’s development of reusable space vehicles aims at peaceful utilization of outer space. In contrast, the U.S. response—manufacturing threats to drive military expansion—only escalates the risk of confrontation within the space domain.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880460979388492/
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